MRI Breast
Taking care of your health also means paying attention to the health of your breasts. Regular self-checks, both visually and by feeling, are important. Do you notice anything unusual? Then consult your general practitioner, who can assess whether further examination is needed.
You may have no symptoms, but still want peace of mind. For example, if breast cancer runs in your family, or if a mammogram shows that you have dense breasts.
At MRI Centrum, you can get a breast MRI even without a referral from your general practitioner. In that case, you pay for the examination yourself.
What?
A breast MRI can detect abnormalities like tumors at an early stage, even in dense breast tissue. While a mammogram can show whether someone has dense breast tissue, it often cannot see through this dense tissue clearly, making it more difficult to detect potential tumors. An MRI is also less painful than a mammogram and is a valuable tool in diagnosing or ruling out breast cancer.
You’ll lie on your stomach during the scan. The procedure takes around 30 minutes. It's important to stay still for optimal image quality. Your breasts rest in a special breast coil, similar to a cushion with two openings.
For whom?
A breast MRI can provide valuable information in many situations, especially when other tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound do not offer sufficient clarity. Below you can read in which cases a breast MRI may be considered:
- Dense Breast Tissue: A mammogram can determine whether you have dense breast tissue. In dense breast tissue, tumors are more difficult to detect on a mammogram. An MRI can be a useful addition in such cases.
- Genetic Risk:
- Carrier of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
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Family history: multiple cases of breast cancer in the family
In these cases, an annual MRI is often part of the screening recommendation. This is usually covered by insurance, as you will have a referral from your general practitioner or treating physician.
- Previous Breast Cancer: For women who have had breast cancer before, an MRI can be used as an additional follow-up test.
- Persistent Symptoms or Concerns:
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Unexplained pain or a lump
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Uncertainty after a previous mammogram or ultrasound
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As a second opinion or for additional reassurance
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Do you notice a lump, retracted nipple, skin with an orange-peel texture, discharge, or pain? Always contact your (general) practitioner first. They can assess whether further testing is needed and refer you if necessary.
- Breast Implants: An MRI scan can be used to check your breast implants. An MRI provides a clear image of the condition of the implants and can show whether there is a rupture, leakage, or wear. If you specifically want an MRI for your breast implants. For more, see MRI Breast Implants.
How to request a Breast MRI at MRI Centrum
Note: If you do have a referral, the MRI is often covered by insurance. Without a referral, the cost is your own. If further diagnostics (e.g., ultrasound, biopsy) are needed, we can quickly refer you to our partner Borstzorgklinieken. MRI images will be sent directly.
Important information about dense breasts
Important information about dense breasts
If you have dense breasts, it means your breasts contain a relatively large amount of glandular tissue. This makes it more difficult to detect abnormalities on a mammogram. As a result, a tumor may go undetected or only be discovered at a later stage.
The large Dutch DENSE study has shown that breast MRI is a more reliable method for early detection of breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Tumors are much more visible on an MRI. This leads to earlier detection of breast cancer, often at an early stage, when the tumor is still small and the risk of spreading is low. This increases the chances of successful treatment.¹
The results of the study are clear: the number of missed breast cancer cases between two screening moments decreased by no less than 84% when women received an additional breast MRI.
This was also discussed in detail in the Eva broadcast on September 30, 2024. You can watch the broadcast here (duration: 20 minutes - Dutch spoken).
¹Scientific article from the New England Journal of Medicine about the value of MRI for dense breast tissue
Breast MRI at MRI Centrum
- Quick appointment due to short waiting times
- Results within 1 week after the examination
- Reliable medical assessment
- Specialized MRI equipment for breast imaging
- Specialized breast radiologists
- Close collaboration with Borstzorgklinieken, for quick referral if needed
- Flexible opening hours, including evenings and weekends
More on preparation and procedure at our MRI Scan Page.
Cost of Breast MRI
MRI without referral: €295
Without a referral, this is not covered by your health insurance.
Note: If you are experiencing symptoms, we advise you to always contact your general practitioner first.
FAQ
No, the MRI itself is painless. However, contrast fluid is given via an intravenous line (IV).
Without a referral, you pay for the exam yourself. With a referral, it is often covered by insurance.
Within 1 week after the scan.
If you have a referral, usually yes. Without one, you pay the cost yourself.
Yes, contrast fluid is injected during the exam.